RN License Transfer to New York

Learn how to transfer a registered nursing license to New York (NY)

Written by Nurses Link on January 17th, 2013

Nurses who hold an RN license from another state and wish to transfer to New York can only do this through the endorsement program. This is because New York does not belong to the National Licensure Compact Agreement thus the New York State Board of Nursing has set some prerequisites that must be fulfilled before allowing the transfer of an RN license to the state. The state endorsement program enables nurses to get the New York RN licensure without having to redo the licensing exam. In New York, the time one takes to get an endorsement license varies as it is influenced by various factors that are beyond control. However, there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled before you can get this endorsement license.

Mandatory Training

It’s mandatory for all prospective registered nurses in New York to undertake a course approved by the state that helps in recognizing child abuse signs. This course is available online where you can study on your own and there is also the classroom-based option. Only 3.25 hours are required to complete this course. The RN is also expected to undertake the state approved classes in infection control of Hepatitis B and HIV before getting the endorsement license. This course is also available online and in the classroom and takes 3.25 hours to complete.

Verification of Nursing Credentials

The New York State Board of Nursing must directly verify the student’s credentials from the board that issued the license. There is an online system— NURSYS—where several nursing boards accept requests of verification. Students with licenses from NURSYS are expected to fill an online form, which is available from a website that is supported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. These requests for verification are forwarded to the respective states, which later mails the credentials to New York. Students from states that do not belong to NURSYS must find a way to request for verification since an endorsement license cannot be issued without authentication of credentials.

Completion of Application

All RNs expecting to get the endorsement license must fill the application that is found on the New York State Board of Nursing website. It is mandatory for the application to be notarized before it is handed in. The RNs are expected to send the official transcripts from their diploma, certificate or degree training. The board must get all the proper documentation to start the licensing process and sometimes delays are inevitable as the school you attended must mail the transcripts requested.

Background Check

All endorsement candidates must undergo a thorough personal and criminal background check, which is carried out by the New York State Board of Nursing. Candidates with criminal convictions may be denied licensure although this depends on the kind of crime committed. Also, those who have been subjected to disciplinary action due to patient neglect or abuse are automatically denied the endorsement licensure. The state is keen on protecting patients from nurses engaged in abuse, neglect or criminal activities.